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James Gillespie Obituary
East Lansing - James (Jim) Gillespie of East Lansing, Michigan died at Timber Ridge Village with his wife by his side, Sunday, November 10, 2019. He was born August 11, 1926, in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Paul and Leslie (Roberts) Gillespie. The family moved to Detroit when Jim was a child.
He graduated from Cass Technical High School, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, surviving an assault by conventional bombers and an unrelenting kamikaze attack on his ship, the USS Laffey in the Battle of Okinawa. After the war he earned a B.S. degree from Wayne State University, worked for Holley Carburetor and GM Oldsmobile Division, specializing in high energy ignition, closed loop carburetion, secondary air injection and all phases of exhaust emissions. He retired in March 1982.
Jim was an avid golfer - golfing every day - and loved traveling, visiting family and friends, and golfing all over the country. He was a talented cook of gourmet food and enjoyed dining out.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Judith Belknap, son Scott Gillespie and grandson Benjamin Burke-Gillespie. Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Zoe Slagle, seven children Bruce (Jane Klayman) Gillespie of New Mexico, Mark (Carol) Gillespie of Michigan, David Gillespie of California, Robb (Melinda Stuber) Gillespie of Michigan, Hollis Gillespie of Nevada, Paula (Philip) Robison of Michigan and Paul Gillespie of California, two step-sons, Brad (Lynne) Slagle of Michigan and Clark Slagle of Michigan, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Timber Ridge Village and Sparrow Home Hospice for their loving care and support.
A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at a later date. You may make a tribute gift in Jim's name to the Evans Scholars Foundation for golf scholarships at 1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029-0301 or www.wgaesf.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Gillespie
Sponsored by Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan - Bay City.
2 Entries
November 19, 2019
Dear Zoe and Family, I read the obit and was struck by the fact he served on the Laffey. He was a true hero, I also served on the Laffey but much later. While I was on the the Laffey they had the 25th anniversary of it. Many of the Vets' shared their stories of the battle they encountered. Thank you for this opportunity to express my condolences. Darrell Fowler
Cheryl Felix
November 12, 2019
Dearest Zoe, How saddened we are to hear of the loss of your dear Jim. We have such wonderful memories of you both during your visits to Chicago, always making time to share a meal with the Felix's. The love of life you both shared was always a joy to be around. Peace to you always Zoe. Love sent across the miles. Cheryl and Tim
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Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan - Bay City612 North Monroe Street, Bay City, MI 48708
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